In the heart of a small town where was a small Southern Baptist church, a remarkable story unfolded, teaching a profound lesson about the diverse ways people find their path to salvation. The pastor, with both reverence and skepticism, recounted an experience that challenged preconceived notions about denominational differences.
One Sunday, as the congregation gathered for worship, a single mother on a journey to break free from addiction found herself at a crossroads. She was in a public laundry, surrounded by the humdrum of washers and dryers when a TV nearby blared a message from a prosperity gospel preacher. The pastor, caught in a moment of candid honesty, recalled the preacher’s words: “Go and find a Bible-believing church to show you the way of salvation.”
Intrigued by the message, the young woman peered out of the laundry window and spotted the modest building of a Southern Baptist church. Acting on impulse, she decided to attend the service already in progress. To her surprise, two individuals warmly welcomed her, and the pastor passionately preached the way of salvation. That Sunday marked a turning point in her life as she embraced faith and found salvation.
The impact, however, extended beyond her personal transformation. In the subsequent month, a dozen other single mothers from the community joined the church service to witness their friend’s baptism. They, too, heard the Gospel, and the ripple effect of this unexpected encounter brought them into the church community.
Reflecting on the pastor’s recounting of the incident, it was evident that he held reservations about the TV evangelist who indirectly guided the young woman to their church. This story reminded me the undeniable truth in the words of Jesus, who proclaimed, “Whoever is not against us is for us.”
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the tendency within Christian communities to harbor judgment and disdain for those from different denominations. Some leaders might go as far as labeling others as adversaries or even devil workers. I believe that it is essential, to resist the temptation to view fellow Christians as enemies simply based on doctrinal differences. Instead, I proposed a more nuanced perspective—one that acknowledges disagreement but refrains from labeling others as adversaries.
We should be reminded that people are being saved, healed, and helped through the diverse preaching styles of individuals with whom we may not necessarily agree.
I believe that this story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of unity within diversity. God used a TV evangelist to direct a lost soul to a church that doesn’t believe in TV evangelists. It challenges us as Christians to reconsider our attitudes towards those from different denominations, encouraging an approach that focuses on shared faith rather than divisive distinctions. After all, the ultimate judge is in a higher throne and He is not limited in ways how to attract people to Himself. We should understant that the paths to salvation are as diverse as the individuals seeking them and God can use anyone to direct people to Himself. Think about that? What do you think?
Brother Endrit Journey 